Lecturer who had secret sexual relationship with 18-year-old student given three-month ban

IT teacher Russell Oakley, 38, who worked at the Cardiff and Vale College, pleaded with the disciplinary panel not to strike him from the teaching register - because he said he’s been offered another job

A college lecturer who had a secret sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student has been given a three-month ban - after pleading to be allowed to carry on teaching.

IT teacher Russell Oakley, 38, who worked at the Cardiff and Vale College, pleaded with the disciplinary panel not to strike him from the teaching register - because he said he’s been offered another job.

He was sacked by the Cardiff and Vale college over his sexual relationship with the 18-year-old student.

Mr Oakley told the disciplinary panel how the “funny and intelligent” student found him on an online dating site.

He admitted he was flattered by her attention - and started the year-long sexual relationship even though he was her teacher.

Mr Oakley told the hearing the student identified only as Learner A contacted him on a dating website.